Keeping In Touch

As it's been some time since our last post we thought we'd better put something online to indicate that we are still here.  We are, although there is little to report.  Occasionally, people can be seen walking around the site and the odd vehicle parks up in the space by the site entrance.  Other than that,  developments seem thin on the ground.  If you know any different do drop us  a line.

For Sale?

Eagle-eyed readers may have spotted that the "For Sale" sign, adorning the pub site for so long, has now disappeared.  An easy conclusion to jump to is that the site has been sold.  However, let's not be too hasty.  This isn't the first time it's happened.  We seem to remember that it fell down during a previous bout of windy weather.

On other other hand, something might well be afoot as the ad has disappeared from the James Du Pavey website.   Sold? Or taken off the market?  We'll just have to wait and see.  As usual.

And Yet More Houses

Readers may or may not be aware of the latest plans for building yet more houses in the area.  No, not in Rough Close but in Lightwood.  According to reports, plans have been submitted to build 200 "executive" style homes on greenbelt land adjoining Lightwood Road and Woodpark Lane.

As you might imagine, the plans have been strongly opposed by local residents who are supported by their local MP, Rob Flello, but not by the council's planners who are in favour of the proposals. Sound familiar?

And at an intended selling price of £750,000 a pop, these are not houses intended for local residents looking for their first home.  

According to Stoke-on-Trent City Council, the area is "at a competive disadvantage" when it comes to attracting high earners hence their positive stance on the matter.

Although not in Rough Close, the proposals do have implications for us: increased levels of traffic, for instance, on roads that already struggle to cope.  And if the proposals do go ahead, how will the inevitable stream of heavy contractor vehicles fetching and carrying materials to and from the site gain access?

If you want to find out more, here are some links for you.

Firstly,  here's a map showing where the proposed development will take place (it's the shaded area at the top of the image - as near as we can tell).

Click to enlarge

The local community has set up a Facebook page which you can access here (opens in a new browser window).

And finally, here's a link to the report carried by the Sentinel (opens in a new browser window).

A Dark Secret?

A new for sale sign adorns the fence of the G&D site this morning: James Du Pavey.  By our reckoning they are the third lot of estate agents to try their hand at selling the plot.

By all accounts, the site has already been sold subject to contract on two previous occasions so what's the problem?  What's the stumbling block that's preventing completion?  What dark secret does the land hold that only comes to light when potential buyers look at the fine detail?  And will James Du Pavey have any more luck than Butters John Bee and Daniel & Hulme?

The site is now on the market at £625k so it looks like the owners have reduced their price a bit but will it be enough to overcome whatever secret lurks beneath the rubble of what used to be the pub?  Only time will tell.

We wish the good folks at James Du Pavey all the best with this one.  The saga has gone on long enough.

An Interesting Chat

We had an interesting chat with a chap from the Highways Department on Friday.  Seems he had been asked to visit the site following an anonymous report that something was not quite as it should be with the fence. 

Whoever made the report was spot on.  The fence has been erected several feet beyond the site boundary.  In other words, whoever put it up has "appropriated" land which isn't theirs.  We'd noticed it ourselves and, if memory serves correctly, one of our readers has pointed it out in the past.   Anyway, well done to the person or persons unknown who brought it to the attention on the Highways Dept.  Their representative has now gone away armed with a load of photos showing the transgression in all its glory.

Let's just hope they do something about it and have the fence moved.

Sold Subject to Contract

Well, according to RightMove, the site is still sold subject to contract.

Site Sold?

A number of websites advertising the sale of the G&D site on behalf of the agents report that it has been sold subject to contract.

Before & After

One of our readers has requested a "Before and After" photo to show how decisions made by the local authority's decisions determine the look and feel of our community.  Click on the image for a larger view.

The "after" picture was, of course, taken before the wind blew all the fencing down!  Perhaps we'll take another one showing what a right mess the place has become.

That's It

The last remaining vestiges of what had been the George & Dragon were demolished yesterday afternoon.  All that remains is a pile of rubble.

There'll  be no final epitaph from us.  We did this a long time ago as previous posts will bear testimony.  However, we aren't going anywhere.  If anything, the real challenge is only just beginning.  A vacant plot will no doubt soon attract the attention of the less desirable.  The owners have a legal obligation to comply with the provisions of the planning permission and ensure that it remains fenced off and secure until such time as development is completed.  Given the evidence to date, that may be some time off.

In the meantime, residents will need to be vigilant.

No Doubt About It

The site of the pub is now fenced off with the JCB inside.  No doubt about what is going to happen next.

Shape of Things to Come?

There is currently a large JCB and lorry loaded with building supplies on the pub car park. Is the demolition work about to commence? Or have they been simply parking overnight?  No doubt we'll soon find out.

The Council Speaks (Again)

This has to be a first.  SBC has responded to our earlier comment about a lack of information concering the current state of the planning application.  All credit to the Borough Council for keeping the local community informed.  We at The Blog are well impressed.  You can see their reply in one of the comments to the post dated 9th November.

The planning permission expires on 15th December which gives the owners just a few more weeks to get on with it.  Apparently they are doing so meaning that demolition work will start imminently.

What the Papers Say

We've just come across an article in this morning's papers about revocation of planning permission in cases where no development work has taken place within a particular period of time following approval.  The move is designed to prevent "land banking" where developers hoard land while waiting for house prices to rise.

However, it could also effect sites like the George & Dragon where the property is acquired simply for the purpose of acquiring planning permission and then selling it on at a profit.

Apparently, it will be down to the local council to decide on how long the planning permission is valid for with a figure of three years being suggested.   Once the time limit has been reached, developers will have to reapply.  Previously, it seems that planning permission could be easily extended but not so now.

The bad news for the owners of the G&D is that their planning permission was granted in December 2010  ...  and the three years will be up on the 15th of next  month!

The Council Speaks

We've now had a reply from SBC.  Here is the full text of their response.

"The decision on this application is still pending".

And that's it.  Now you know as much as we do.  We'll look into this some more and be in touch.

No News

Strange thing.  Since the "demolition" notice appeared, nothing has happened!  We've tried to get in touch with Staffs BC to find out what's going on but have heard nothing.  No change there then.  We're writing this post just to let you know that we here at the Blog are still keeping an eye on things - despite the long silence which isn't helped by interference from the day job.  We'll chase Staffs BC again shortly and keep you posted.

Demolition Notice

Looks like the pub is about to be knocked down.  There is a notice from SBC pinned to it announcing that demolition work will commence on 8th July.

A Result

Well done the Parish Council!  Most of the fly-tipped rubbish was removed today.  There is still some left although it might just be the owners' idea of a security barrier to prevent access to the rear of the pub.  Not perfect by any means but much better than it was before.

Fly Tipping - Update

Just to let readers know that the Parish Council has taken action on the continued fly tipping on the pub site.  They have been in touch with Environmental Services at SBC who have in turn served a notice on the owners for litter and refuse.  They are also meeting with them shortly to ensure compliance.

It seems that they were due to meet this Thursday but someone cancelled the meeting which has been rescheduled for 11th March.

Thanks due to the Parish Council!  We'll keep you posted.

Happy New Year

Happy new year everyone!  We aren't sure what it will bring in terms of the pub but let's hope, whatever happens, it's in the best interests of the community.

Here We Go Again

Whether Milwood Ltd bought the pub from the previous owners or not is now immaterial.  The pub is up for sale again as a development site with planning permission.